MODULE 4: Theories of

International Relations:
Idealism

Introduction

This session is designed to guide you in analyzing

the Idealism Theory of International Relations
centered on its definition and basic concepts.

1|P age
Pol. Sci. 108: Introduction to International Relations
 THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: IDEALISM

Idealism

Idealism is a specific school of liberalism that stresses the need for states to pursue
moral goals and to act ethically in the international arena. Idealists believe that
behavior considered immoral on an interpersonal level is also immoral in foreign
policy. Therefore, idealists argue that dishonesty, trickery, and violence should be
shunned.
The Idealist Approach holds that old, ineffective and harmful modes of behavior i.e.,
war, use of force and violence should be abandoned in favor of new ways and means
as determined by knowledge, reason, compassion and self-restraint.
Idealism stands for improving the course of international relations by eliminating
war, hunger, inequality, tyranny, force, suppression and violence from international
relations. To remove these evils is the objective before humankind. Idealism accepts
the possibility of creating a world free from these evils by depending upon reason,
science and education.
“Political idealism in international relations represents a set of ideas which together
oppose war and advocate the reform of international community through
dependence upon moral values and the development of international institutions
and international law.”
The Idealist Approach advocates morality as the means for securing the desired
objective of making the world an ideal world. It believes that by following morality
and moral values in their relations, nations can not only secure their own
development, but also can help the world to eliminate war, inequality, despotism,
tyranny, violence and force.
As such Idealism advocates the need for improving relations among nations by
removing the evils present in the international environment.

2|P age
Pol. Sci. 108: Introduction to International Relations
 Main Features of Idealism

1. Human nature is essentially good and capable of good deeds in international

relations.
2. Human welfare and advancement of civilization are the concerns of all.
3. Bad human behavior is the product of bad environment and bad institutions.
4. By reforming the environment, bad human behavior can be eliminated.
5. War represents the worst feature of relations.
6. By reforming international relations, war can be and should be eliminated.
7. Global efforts are needed to end war, violence and tyranny from international
relations.
8. International community should work for eliminating such global
instruments, features and practices which lead to war.
9. International institutions committed to preserve international peace,
international law and order should be developed for securing peace,
prosperity and development.

3|P age
Pol. Sci. 108: Introduction to International Relations